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Request Advocacy

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Request Advocacy

Request the help of the Office of the Child Advocate

The Office of the Child Advocate (OCA) does not handle emergencies. If you need to report child abuse or neglect, please call the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Central Intake at 1-855-444-3911, or contact your local police department.

The OCA is an independent office that can investigate complaints about the child welfare system. We have the authority to request records, speak out about problems, and suggest changes to improve services. However, we do not have the power to enforce laws or discipline agencies.

 

What can be investigated by the OCA?

What the OCA Can Investigate

The OCA can look into situations where someone believes a child welfare agency isn’t following the law, rules, or policies—or isn’t acting in the best interest of a child. This includes things the agency may be doing wrong or failing to do at all.

We review actions taken by the DHHS, private agencies that place children in homes, and facilities that care for youth or provide juvenile justice services. Our goal is to make sure these organizations are following the rules and doing what’s right for children.

If you’ve had an experience with one of Michigan’s child welfare systems such as child protective services, foster care, adoption, or juvenile justice—and you think it points to a larger problem or could help improve the system, we encourage you to reach out. You can call us at 517-241-0400 or 1-800-MICH-FAM or file a complaint online.

The OCA cannot investigate complaints that only involve the following issues:

  • Rude behavior or poor communication by staff
  • Complaints about courts, judges, lawyers, or police
  • Custody, parenting time, or child support matters handled by Friend of the Court
  • Guardianship cases
  • Problems at school
  • Court decisions or orders
  • Adult Protective Services
  • People making false reports to Child Protective Services (CPS)

If your concern involves one of these areas, we recommend reaching out to the appropriate agency or organization for help.

What you need to know about the advocacy request process

You can send a request for help—sometimes called a complaint or a case—to the OCA. Before you do, here’s what you should know:

The OCA's authority to investigate

The OCA can look into concerns when someone believes a child welfare agency isn’t following the law, rules, or policies. This might include things the agency is doing wrong—or failing to do at all.

Michigan’s child welfare system includes:

  • Child Protective Services (CPS)
  • Foster care
  • Adoption services
  • Juvenile justice programs

Only the Child Advocate can decide whether your request will be investigated. Please note that we cannot investigate every situation.

If we’re not able to open an investigation, we’ll still try to help by:

  • Sharing helpful information related to your concern
  • Referring you to another agency that may be able to assist
  • Offering guidance on how to address the issue through other available options

We’re here to help you understand the system and find the right path forward.

 

View the Child Advocate Act
Understanding who can request advocacy

Anyone can reach out to the Office of the Child Advocate (OCA for short) to request support or raise a concern. This includes—but isn’t limited to:

  • Children (if they’re able to speak for themselves)
  • Biological, foster, adoptive, or prospective adoptive parents
  • Legal guardians or court-appointed advocates (Guardians ad litem)
  • Attorneys and judges
  • State lawmakers or the Governor
  • Mandatory reporters (like teachers, doctors, or social workers)

Some individuals listed in Section 5 of the Child Advocate Act may receive a copy of the final investigation report, including our findings, recommendations, and any responses from the DHHS.

Others who aren’t on that list can still view any reports that are made public and posted on our website after an investigation is complete.

No matter your role or relationship to a child, the OCA is here to listen, respond, and advocate. We believe every voice matters—and every concern deserves to be heard.

Learn how the OCA advocates
What to do before requesting advocacy

Important: The online request form is not for reporting child abuse or neglect. If you need to report abuse, please contact MDHHS Central Intake at 1-855-444-3911 or your local law enforcement agency.

Before reaching out to the Office of the Child Advocate (OCA), please try the following steps:

  • Start by talking to your caseworker at MDHHS or the child-placing agency handling your case.
  • If that doesn’t solve the issue, speak with the caseworker’s supervisor, program manager, or the agency’s director.
  • Keep in mind that MDHHS may be legally restricted from discussing certain case details.
  • If the issue still isn’t resolved, then you can contact the OCA for help.

When you’re ready to submit a request:

  • Have all relevant information available.
  • Keep track of who you spoke with and when—it helps us understand your situation better.

We’re here to support you, and being prepared helps us do that more effectively.

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